Probate Menu

Probate

Remote Appearances

In an effort to promote safety during the COVID-19 pandemic, parties who have hearings in J1-Probate (Probate Division) are encouraged to email exhibits to the Court no later than five calendar days prior to the hearing date. The email address is ProbateExhibits@kern.courts.ca.gov. This is for Probate matters only. If you are appearing remotely please go to Remote Court Hearings and under the section Juvenile Justice Center, select J1-Probate. Please arrive to the remote hearing 30 minutes early.

Attending Probate Hearings During COVID-19

Probate Court has original jurisdiction over actions concerning the issuance of marriage licenses, the estate of a deceased person, the will of an individual, the estate of a minor or incapacitated person, trusts, and involuntary commitments. Most probate matters are handled without a jury trial, but Probate Court does have the authority to conduct a jury trial.

The probate examiners are paralegals employed by the court to review all papers filed with the probate court.
They check filings for compliance with the probate code, local court rules, and the policies of the court. As a result of this review, the examiners may identify procedural deficiencies or other concerns that need to be further addressed before the court hears the matter. This reduces the judicial time required to hear probate cases.

For further information visit:
  1. California Courts/Judicial Council - Probate Court
  2. Handbook for Conservators and Acknowledgment of Receipt
  3. Fee Schedule

Case Research

To find out if an action has been filed, you may:

  1. Use the online Case Search
    • Using the “Smart Search” locate the case number for which information is needed (see Search Tips to do this).
  2. Visit the Probate office
    • 2100 College Ave. Bakersfield, CA 93305
  3. Request the information via mail:

    Superior Court of California County of Kern
    Probate Court
    2100 College Ave
    Bakersfield, CA 93305

  4. Search request fee, see Fee Schedule
  5. For additional information, see Court Records

How to search for Probate's Tentative Rulings/Hearing Comments

To determine whether or not your case is recommended for approval on the next day's calendar, visit the case search portal page after noon on the business day prior to the hearing to find out the recommendation for that case.

If your case is not recommended for approval and you do not appear in person or by "Court Call" at the time set for the hearing, your petition may be dismissed or taken off calendar as the court may choose.

Fee Waiver

If you cannot afford to pay court fees, you may apply for a fee waiver. You will be asked to provide information regarding your financial status which will be reviewed by a judge.

Fee Waiver form packets are available at no cost in the Probate Department or download the form here

Investigations

The Family Mediation and Investigations conducts background investigations for conservatorships and certain guardianship matters.